13 natural bun Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now

Is there any hairstyle more universally beloved, more effortlessly chic, or more deceptively simple than the bun? It’s the go-to for bad hair days, the savior on humid mornings, and the secret weapon for looking polished in seconds. But in 2024, the bun has evolved. Gone are the days of overly tight, shellacked-to-perfection styles. The trend is all about natural, textured, and soft buns that look like you just threw your hair up with a casual, artful flair—and they’re absolutely everywhere.

Whether you have long, short, thin, or thick hair, there’s a natural bun waiting to become your signature look. This guide will walk you through 13 of the most trending styles, offering inspiration and a touch of guidance to help you master the art of the undone updo. Get ready to embrace the ease and elegance of these beautiful, natural bun hairstyles.

1. The Effortless Messy Bun

Let’s start with the queen of casual: the Effortless Messy Bun. This isn’t just a tangled knot; it’s a carefully curated look of nonchalant beauty. The key is to start with second or third-day hair for maximum texture, or spritz in some sea salt spray. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, but on the last loop of the hair tie, only pull the hair halfway through, creating a loose loop. Then, gently pull at the sides of the bun and loosen face-framing pieces to create a soft, romantic volume.

2. The Low Saggy Bun

Sophisticated yet incredibly relaxed, the Low Saggy Bun is a red-carpet and street-style favorite. Positioned at the nape of the neck, this bun is characterized by its “saggy” or slouching appearance. To achieve it, create a low ponytail and twist it loosely before wrapping it around the base. Instead of securing it tightly, allow the bun to droop slightly. Use bobby pins to secure the ends discreetly. This style exudes a quiet, understated confidence.

3. The Bubble Bun

Playful, modern, and utterly eye-catching, the Bubble Bun is a fun take on the classic high pony. After securing a high ponytail with a strong elastic, space out additional hair ties down the length of the tail, about 3-4 inches apart. Then, gently tug and puff out the sections of hair between each tie to create a series of “bubbles” leading up to the final bun at the end. It’s a whimsical look that adds instant volume and personality.

4. The Braided Bun

For a touch of bohemian elegance, the Braided Bun is a timeless choice. This style incorporates a braid into the bun itself, adding intricate detail and texture. You can start with a simple English braid, a fishtail, or even a Dutch braid along your hairline before gathering the rest into a bun. Alternatively, create a ponytail, braid the tail, and then wrap the braid around the base to form the bun. It’s a perfect style for adding a special touch to an everyday look.

5. The Half-Up Twisted Bun

Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? The Half-Up Twisted Bun offers the perfect compromise. This style keeps your hair down while pulling the top section away from your face in a chic, mini-bun. Simply take a section of hair from the crown, twist it loosely, and then coil it into a small, flat bun at the back of your head, securing it with bobby pins. It’s an excellent way to manage flyaways while looking fashion-forward.

6. The Donut Bun

For a more polished yet still natural look, the Donut Bun is your best friend. This style uses a hair doughnut (or a sock, in a pinch!) to create a perfectly rounded, full bun. The trick to keeping it natural is to not make it too tight or sleek. After pulling your hair through the donut and spreading it evenly around, gently pull out a few small pieces around the bun and at your hairline to break up the perfection and add softness.

7. The Textured Top Knot

A close cousin to the messy bun, the Textured Top Knot sits right on the crown of the head and is all about volume and texture. This style works best with wavy or curly hair, or hair that has been prepped with a texturizing spray. Flip your head over, gather all your hair at the crown, and twist as you coil it into a bun. The result should be high, slightly messy, and full of body. It’s the ultimate “I woke up like this” chic look.

8. The Tucked Braid Bun

This is a subtly stunning style that looks far more complex than it is. The Tucked Braid Bun involves creating two braids—one on each side—and tucking them into a low bun. Start with a Dutch or French braid on each side of your head, starting at the temples and braiding back. Gather all your hair, including the ends of the braids, into a low ponytail, then form a bun. Tuck the ends of the braids into the bun and secure everything with pins.

9. The Wispy Ballerina Bun

Taking inspiration from the classic ballet bun, this version is all about softness. The Wispy Ballerina Bun is sleek at the crown but deliberately undone at the edges. After creating a tight, low bun, the magic happens when you pull out dozens of tiny, wispy strands around your hairline, ears, and nape of the neck. These soft flyaways frame the face beautifully and transform a severe style into something ethereal and modern.

10. The Double Buns (Space Buns)

Nostalgic, playful, and totally trendy, Double Buns, or Space Buns, are having a major moment. Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails on each side of your head. Twist each ponytail into a bun, securing it with another elastic or pins. The natural version isn’t about perfect spheres; it’s about letting the ends poke out and pulling the buns apart a little for a messier, more relaxed vibe.

11. The Twisted Rope Bun

Elegant in its simplicity, the Twisted Rope Bun adds a beautiful detail to a simple low bun. Instead of just twisting your ponytail once, divide it into two sections and twist them around each other to create a rope-like effect. Then, wrap this twisted rope around the base to form your bun. This technique creates a bun with beautiful, visible texture and holds its shape wonderfully without looking overly done.

12. The Scrunchie Bun

Scrunchies aren’t just a comfort accessory; they’re a style statement. The Scrunchie Bun leverages a bold, fabric scrunchie to add a pop of color and texture to your look. Simply make a ponytail, loop your hair through a scrunchie once, and on the second loop, only pull it halfway through—just like a standard messy bun. The voluminous scrunchie becomes part of the bun’s decor, making it a quick and fashionable style.

13. The Minimalist Nub

Sometimes, less is more. The Minimalist Nub is a tiny, tight bun usually positioned at the back of the head. It’s a stark contrast to the messy bun but feels equally modern. This style works beautifully on shorter hair that can’t quite make it into a larger bun, or as a sleek, polished option. The natural element comes from a slightly loosened hairline—avoid making it so tight that it pulls your eyes back.

Embrace Your Natural Texture

The beauty of these trending bun styles is that they celebrate imperfection and individuality. They ask you to work with your hair’s natural texture—whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, or coily—rather than fighting against it. The goal is not a mirror-smooth finish but a look that feels authentic, effortless, and uniquely you. So, grab some hair ties, bobby pins, and your favorite texturizing spray, and start experimenting. With these 13 natural bun hairstyles, you’re sure to find a go-to look that makes you feel both comfortable and incredibly chic.